Chapter V.--SAXONY WITHOUT DEFENCE: SCHMETTAU SURRENDERS DRESDEN.

Friedrich's despair did not last quite four days. On the fourth

day,--day after leaving Reitwein,--there is this little Document, which

still exists, of more comfortable tenor: "My dear Major-General von

Wunsch,--Your Letter of the 16th to Lieutenant-General von Finck

punctually arrived here: and for the future, as I am now recovered from

my illness, you have to address your Reports directly to Myself.--F."

["Madlitz," on the road to Furstenwalde, "17th August:" in Preuss,

_Friedrich der Grosse; eine historische Portrait-Skizze_ (kind of

LECTURE, so let us call it, if again citing it; Lecture delivered, on

Friedrich's Birthday, to Majesty and Staff-Officers as Audience, Berlin,

24th January, 1855), p. 18.] Finding that, except Tottleben warily

reconnoitring with a few Cossacks, no Russians showed themselves at

Reitwein; that the Russians were encamping and intrenching on the

Wine-Hills south of Frankfurt, not meaning anything immediate,--he took

heart again; ranked his 23,000; sent for General Kleist from Pommern

with his Anti-Swedish handful (leave the Swedes alone, as usual in time

of crisis); considered that artilleries and furnishings could come to

him from Berlin, which is but 60 miles; that there still lay possibility

ahead, and that, though only a miracle could save him, he would try it

to the very last.

A great relief, this of coming to oneself again! "Till death, then;--rage

on, ye elements and black savageries!" Friedrich's humor is not

despondent, now or afterwards; though at this time it is very sad, very

angry, and, as it were, scorning even to hope: but he is at all times of

beautifully practical turn; and has, in his very despair, a sobriety of

eyesight, and a fixed steadiness of holding to his purpose, which are

of rare quality. His utterances to D'Argens, about this time and

onward,--brief hints, spontaneous, almost unconscious,--give curious

testimony of his glooms and moody humors. Of which the reader shall

see something. For the present, he is in deep indignation with his poor

Troops, among other miseries. "Actual running away!" he will have it to

be; and takes no account of thirst, hunger, heat, utter weariness and

physical impossibility! This lasts for some weeks. But in general there

is nothing of this injustice to those about him. In general, nothing

even of gloom is manifested; on the contrary, cheerfulness, brisk hope,

a strangely continual succession of hopes (mostly illusory);--though,

within, there is traceable very great sorrow, weariness and misery. A

fixed darkness, as of Erebus, is grown habitual to him; but is strictly

shut up, little of it shown to others, or even, in a sense, to himself.

He is as a traveller overtaken by the Night and its tempests and

rain-deluges, but refusing to pause; who is wetted to the bone, and does

not care farther for rain. A traveller grown familiar with the howling

solitudes; aware that the Storm-winds do not pity, that Darkness is the

dead Earth's Shadow:--a most lone soul of a man; but continually toiling

forward, as if the brightest goal and haven were near and in view.

Once more the world was certain of Friedrich's ruin;--Friedrich himself

we have seen certain of it, for some few desperate hours:--but the world

and he, as had been repeatedly the world's case, were both disappointed.

Intrinsically there could be little doubt but Friedrich's enemies might

now have ruined him, had they been diligent about it. Now again, and now

more than ever, they have the winning-post in sight. At small distance

is the goal and purpose of all these four years' battlings and

marchings, and ten years' subterranean plottings and intriguings. He

himself says deliberately, "They had only to give him the finishing

stroke (COUP-DE-GRACE)." [_OEuvres de Frederic,_ v. 20.] But they never

gave him that stroke; could not do it, though heartily desirous. Which

was, and is, matter of surprise to an observant public.

The cause of failure may be considered to have been, in good part,

Daun and his cunctations. Daun's zeal was unquestionable; ardent and

continual is Daun's desire to succeed: but to try it at his own risk was

beyond his power. He expected always to succeed by help of others: and

to show them an example, and go vigorously to work himself, was what he

never could resolve on. Could play only Fabius Cunctator, it would seem;

and never was that part less wanted than now! Under such a Chief Figure,

the "incoherency of action," instead of diminishing, as Friedrich had

feared, rose daily towards its maximum; and latterly became extreme. The

old Lernean Hydra had many heads; but they belonged all to one body. The

many heads of this Anti-Friedrich Hydra had withal each its own body,

and separate set of notions and advantages. Friedrich was at least a

unity; his whole strength going one way, and at all moments, under his

own sole command. The value of this circumstance is incalculable; this

is the saving-clause of Pitt and his England (Pitt also a despotic

sovereign, though a temporary one); this, second only to Friedrich's

great gifts from Nature, and the noble use he makes of them, is above

all others the circumstance that saved him in such a duel with the

Hydras.

On the back of Kunersdorf, accordingly, there was not only no finishing

stroke upon Friedrich, but for two months no stroke or serious attempt

whatever in those neighborhoods where Friedrich is. There are four

Armies hereabouts: The Grand Russian, hanging by Frankfurt; Friedrich

at Furstenwalde (whitherward he marched from Reitwein August 16th), at

Furstenwalde or farther south, guarding Berlin;--then, unhurt yet by

battle of any kind, there are the Grand Daunish or Mark-Lissa Army, and

Prince Henri's of Schmottseifen. Of which latter Two the hitchings and

manoeuvrings from time to time become vivid, and never altogether

cease; but in no case come to anything. Above two months' scientific

flourishing of weapons, strategic counter-dancing; but no stroke

struck, or result achieved, except on Daun's part irreparable waste of

time:--all readers would feel it inhuman to be burdened with any notice

of such things. One march of Prince Henri's, which was of a famous and

decisive character, we will attend to, when it comes, that is, were

the end of September at hand; the rest must be imagined as a general

strategic dance in those frontier parts,--Silesia to rearward on one

side, the Lausitz and Frankfurt on the other,--and must go on, silently

for most part, in the background of the reader's fancy. Indeed, Saxony

is the scene of action; Friedrich, Henri, Soltikof, Daun, comparatively

inactive for the next six weeks and more.

Some days before Kunersdorf, Daun personally, with I will forget how

many thousands, had made a move to northward from Mark-Lissa, 60 miles

or so, through Sagan Country; and lies about Priebus, waiting there

ever since. Priebus is some 40 miles north of Gorlitz, about 60 west of

Glogau, south of Frankfurt 80. This is where the Master-Smith, having

various irons in the fire, may be handiest for clutching them out, and

forging at them, as they become successively hot. Daun, as Master-Smith,

has at least three objects in view. The FIRST is, as always, Reconquest

of Silesia: this is obstructed by Prince Henri, who sits, watchful on

the threshold, at Schmottseifen yonder. The SECOND is, as last year,

Capture of Dresden: which is much the more feasible at present,--there

being, except the Garrisons, no Prussian force whatever in Saxony; and

a Reichs Army now actually there at last, after its long haggling about

its Magazines; and above all, a Friedrich with his hands full elsewhere.

To keep Friedrich's hands full,--in other words, to keep the Russians

sticking to him,--that is the THIRD object: or indeed we may call it the

first, second and third; for Daun is well aware that unless Soltikof

can manage to keep Friedrich busy, Silesia, Saxony and all else becomes

impossible.

Ever since the fortunate junction of Loudon with Soltikof, Daun has sat,

and still sits, expectant; elaborately calculative, gathering Magazines

in different parts, planting out-parties, this way, that way, with

an eye to these three objects, all or each,--especially to the third

object, which he discerns to be all AND each. Daun was elaborately

calculative with these views: but to try any military action, upon

Prince Henri for example, or bestir himself otherwise than in driving

provender forward, and marching detachments hither and thither to the

potentially fit and fittest posts, was not in Daun's way,--so much the

worse for Daun, in his present course of enterprise.

Prince Henri had lain quiet at Schmottseifen, waiting his Brother's

adventure; did not hear the least tidings of him till six days after

Kunersdorf, and then only by rumor; hideous, and, though still dubious,

too much of it probable! On the very day of Kunersdorf, Henri had

begun effecting some improvements on his right flank,--always a sharply

strategic, most expert creature,--and made a great many motions, which

would be unintelligible here. [Detailed, every fibre of them (as is

the soul-confusing custom there), in Tempelhof, iii. 228 et seq.] Henri

feels now that upon him lies a world of duties; and foremost of all, the

instant duty of endeavoring to open communication with his Brother. Many

marches, in consequence; much intricate marching and manoeuvring between

Daun and him: of which, when we come to Henri's great March (of 25th

September), there may be again some hint.

For the present, let readers take their Map, and endeavor to fix the

following dates and localities in their mind. Here, in summary, are the

King's various Marches, and Two successive Encampments, two only,

during those Six Weeks of forced inaction, while he is obliged to stand

watching the Russians, and to witness so many complicacies and disasters

in the distance; which he struggles much and fruitlessly to hinder or

help:--

ENCAMPMENT 1st (Furstenwalde, August 18th-30th). Friedrich left Reitwein

AUGUST 16th; 17th, he is at Madlitz [Note to Wunsch written there, which

we read]; 18th, to Furstenwalde, and encamp. Furstenwalde is on the

Spree, straight between Frankfurt and Berlin; 25 miles from the former,

35 from the latter. Here for near a fortnight. At first, much in alarm

about the Russians and Berlin; but gradually ascertaining that the

Russians intend nothing.

"In effect, all this while Soltikof lay at Lossow, 10 miles south of

Frankfurt, with his right on Oder; totally motionless, inactive, except

listening, often rather gloomily, to Daun's and Montalembert's suasive

eloquences and advices,--and once, August 22d, in the little Town of

Guben, holding Conference with Daun [of which by and by]. In consequence

of which, AUGUST 28th, Soltikof and his Russians and Austrians got under

way again; southward, but only a few marches: first to Mullrose, then

to Lieberose:--whom, the instant he heard of their movements, Friedrich,

August 30th, hastened to follow; but had not to follow very far.

Whereupon ensues,

"ENCAMPMENT SECOND (Waldau, till September 15th). AUGUST 30th,

Friedrich, we say, rose from Furstenwalde; hastened to follow this

Russian movement, and keep within wind of it: up the valley of the

Spree; first to Mullrose neighborhood [where the Russians, loitering

some time, spoiled the canal-locks of the Friedrich-Wilhelm Canal, if

nothing more],--thence to Lieberose neighborhood; Waldau, the King's new

place of encampment,--Waldau, with Spree Forest to rear of it: silent

both parties till September 15th, when Soltikof did fairly march, not

towards Berlin, but quite in the opposite direction."

By the middle of September, when the Russians did get on foot, and moved

eastward; especially on and after September 25th, when Henri made his

famous March westward; then it will behoove us to return to Friedrich

and these localities. For the present we must turn to Saxony, where, and

not here, the scene of action is. Take, farther, only the following

bits of Note, which will now be readable. First, these Utterances to

D'Argens; direct glimpses into the heavy-laden, indeed hag-ridden and

nearly desperate inner man of Friedrich, during the first three weeks

after his defeat at Kunersdorf:--

THE KING TO MARQUIS D'ARGENS (at Berlin): Six Notes.

1. "MADLITZ [road from Reitwein to Furstenwalde], 16th AUGUST, 1759.

We have been unfortunate, my dear Marquis; but not, by my fault. The

victory was ours, and would even have been a complete one, when our

infantry lost patience, and at the wrong moment abandoned the field of

battle. The enemy to-day is on march to Mullrose, to unite with Haddick

[not to Mullrose for ten days yet; Haddick had already got united with

THEM]. The Russian infantry is almost totally destroyed. Of my own

wrecks, all that I have been able to assemble amounts to 32,000 men;

with these I am pushing on to throw myself across the enemy's road, and

either perish or save the Capital. That is not what you [you Berliners]

will call a deficiency of resolution.

"For the event I cannot answer. If I had more lives than one, I would

sacrifice them all to my Country. But if this stroke fail, I think I am

clear-scores with her, and that it will be permissible to look a little

to myself. There are limits to everything. I support my misfortune;

courage not abated by it: but I am well resolved, after this stroke,

if it fail, to open an outgate for myself [that small glass tube which

never quits me], and no longer be the sport of any chance."

2. Furstenwalde, 20th AUGUST.... "Remain at Berlin, or retire to

Potsdam; in a little while there will come some catastrophe: it is not

fit that you suffer by it. If things take a good turn, you can be back

to Berlin [from Potsdam] in four hours. If ill-luck still pursue us, go

to Hanover or to Zelle, where you can provide for your safety.

"I protest to you, that in this late Action I did what was humanly

possible to conquer; but my people"--Oh, your Majesty!

3. FURSTENWALDE, 21st AUGUST.... "The enemy is intrenching himself near

Frankfurt; a sign he intends no attempt. If you will do me the pleasure

to come out hither, you can in all safety. Bring your bed with you;

bring my Cook Noel; and I will have you a little chamber ready. You will

be my consolation and my hope."--

This day,--let readers mark the circumstance,--Friedrich, in better

spirits, detaches Wunsch with some poor 6,000, to try if he can be of

help in Saxony; where the Reichs Army, now arrived in force, and with

nothing whatever in the field against them, is taking all the Northward

Garrison-Towns, and otherwise proceeding at a high rate. Too possibly

with an eye towards Dresden itself! Wunsch sets out August 21st.

[Tempelhof, iii. 211.] And we shall hear of him in those Saxon Countries

before long.

4. FURSTENWALDE, 22d AUGUST. "Yesterday I wrote to you to come; but

to-day I forbid it. Daun is at Kotbus; he is marching on Luben and

Berlin [nothing like so rash!].--Fly these unhappy Countries!--This news

obliges me again to attack the Russians between here and Frankfurt. You

may imagine if this is a desperate resolution. It is the sole hope that

remains to me, of not being cut off from Berlin on the one side or the

other. I will give the discouraged troops some brandy"--alas!--"but I

promise myself nothing of success. My one consolation is, that I shall

die sword in hand."

5. SAME PLACE AND DAY (after a Letter FROM D'Argens). "You make the

panegyric, MON CHER, of an Army that does not deserve any. The soldiers

had good limbs to run with, none to attack the enemy. [Alas, your

Majesty; after fifteen hours of such marching and fighting!]

"For certain I will fight; but don't flatter yourself about the event. A

happy chance alone can help us. Go, in God's name, to Tangermunde [since

the Royal Family went, D'Argens and many Berliners are thinking of

flight], to Tangermunde, where you will be well; and wait there how

Destiny shall have disposed of us. I will go to reconnoitre the enemy

to-morrow. Next day, if there is anything to do, we will try it. But if

the enemy still holds to the Wine-Hills of Frankfurt, I shall never dare

to attack him.

"No, the torment of Tantalus, the pains of Prometheus, the doom of

Sisyphus, were nothing like what I suffer for the last ten days [from

Kunersdorf till now, when destruction has to be warded off again, and

the force wanting]. Death is sweet in comparison to such a life. Have

compassion on me and it; and believe that I still keep to myself a great

many evil things, not wishing to afflict or disquiet anybody with them;

and that I would not counsel you to fly these unlucky Countries, if I

had any ray of hope. Adieu, MON CHER."

Four days after, AUGUST 25th, from this same Furstenwalde, the Russians

still continuing stagnant, Friedrich despatches to Schmettau, Commandant

of Dresden (by some industrious hand, for the roads are all blocked), a

Second Letter, "That Dresden is of the highest moment; that in case of

Siege there, relief [Wunsch, namely, and perhaps more that may follow]

is on the road; and that Schmettau must defend himself to the utmost."

Let us hope this Second Missive may counteract the too despondent

First, which we read above, should that have produced discouragement

in Schmettau! [Second Letter is given in _Schmettau's Leben,_ pp. 436,

437.]--D'Argens does run to Wolfenbuttel; stays there till September

9th. Nothing more from Friedrich till 4th September, when matters are

well cooled again.

6. WALDAU, 4th SEPTEMBER. "I think Berlin is now in safety; you may

return thither. The Barbarians [Russians] are in the Lausitz; I keep by

the side of them, between them and Berlin, so that there is nothing to

fear for the Capital. The imminency of danger is past; but there will

still be many bad moments to get through, before reaching the end of

the Campaign. These, however, only regard myself; never mind these. My

martyrdom will last two months yet; then the snows and the ices will end

it." [_OEuvres de Frederic,_ xix. 78, 82, 83, 85, 86.]

Thus at Furstenwalde, then at Waldau, keeping guard, forlorn but

resolute, against the intrusive Russian-Austrian deluges, Friedrich

stands painfully vigilant and expectant,--still for about a fortnight

more. With bad news coming to him latterly, as we shall hear. He is in

those old moorland Wusterhausen Countries, once so well known under far

other circumstances. Thirty years ago, in fine afternoons, we used

to gallop with poor Duhan de Jandun, after school-tasks done, towards

Mittenwalde, Furstenwalde and the furzy environs, far and wide; at home,

our Sister and Mother waiting with many troubles and many loves, and

Papa sleeping, Pan-like, under the shadow of his big tree:--Thirty years

ago, ah me, gone like a dream is all that; and there is solitude and

desolation and the Russian-Austrian death-deluges instead! These, I

suppose, were Friedrich's occasional remembrances; silent always, in

this locality and time. The Sorrows of WERTER, of the GIAOUR, of the

Dyspeptic Tailor in multifarious forms, are recorded in a copious

heart-rending manner, and have had their meed of weeping from a

sympathetic Public: but there are still a good few Sorrows which lie

wrapt in silence, and have never applied there for an idle tear!--Let us

look now into Daun's side of things.

DAUM, AFTER NEGOTIATION, HAS AN INTERVIEW WITH SOLTIKOF (at Guben,

August 22d).--"Daun, who had moved to Priebus, with a view to be nearer

Soltikof, had scarcely got his tent pitched there (August 13th), when

a breathless horseman rode in, with a Note from Loudon, dated the night

before: 'King of Prussia beaten, to the very bone, beyond mistake this

time,--utterly ruined, if one may judge!' What a vision of the Promised

Land! Delighted Daun moves forward, one march, to Triebel on the morrow;

to be one march nearer the scene of glory, and endeavor to forge this

biggest of the hot irons to advantage.

"At Triebel Soltikof's own account, elucidated by oral messengers,

eye-witnesses, and, in short, complete conspectus of this ever memorable

Victory, await the delighted Daun. Who despatches messengers, one and

another; Lacy, the first, not succeeding quite: To congratulate with

enthusiasm the most illustrious of Generals; who has beaten King

Friedrich as none else ever did or could; beaten to the edge of

extinction;--especially to urge him upon trampling out this nearly

extinct King, before he gleam up again. Soltikof understands the

congratulations very well; but as to that of trampling out, snorts an

indignant negative: 'Nay, you, why don't you try it? Surely it is more

your business than my Imperial Mistress's or mine. We have wrenched two

victories from him this season. Kay and Kunersdorf have killed near the

half of us: go you in, and wrench something!' This is Soltikof's logic;

which no messenger of Daun's, Lacy or another, aided by never such

melodies and suasions from Montalembert and Loudon, who are permanently

diligent that way, can shake.

"And truly it is irrefragable. How can Daun, if himself merely

speculative, calculative, hope that Soltikof will continue acting? Men

who have come to help you in a heavy job of work need example. If you

wish me to weep, be grieved yourself first of all. Soltikof angrily

wipes his countenance at this point, and insists on a few tears

from Daun. Without metaphor, Soltikof has shot away all his present

ammunition, his staff of bread is quite precarious in these parts; and

Soltikof thinks always, 'Is it my business, then, or is it yours?'

"Soltikof has intrenched himself on the Wine-Hills at Lossow,

comfortably out of Friedrich's way, and contiguous to Oder and the

provision-routes; sits there, angrily deaf to the voice of the charmer;

nothing to be charmed out of him, but gusts of indignation, instead of

consent. A proud, high-going, indignant kind of man, with a will of

his own. And sees well enough what is what, in all this symphony of the

Lacys, the Montalemberts and surrounding adorers. Montalembert, who is

here this season, our French best man (unprofitable Swedes must put up

with an inferior hand), is extremely persuasive, tries all the arts of

French rhetoric, but effects nothing. 'To let the Austrians come in

for the finishing stroke,---Excellence, it will be to let them gain,

in History, a glory which is of your earning. Daun and Austria, not

Soltikof and Russia, will be said to have extinguished this pestilent

King; whom History will have to remember!' [Choiseul's Letter (not

DUC de Choiseul, but COMTE, now Minister at Vienna) to Montalembert,

"Vienna, 16th August;" and Montalembert's Answer, "Lieberhausen [means

LIEBEROSE], 31st August, 1759:" in Montalembert, _Correspondance,_ ii.

58-65.] 'With all my heart,' answers Soltikof; 'I make the Austrians and

History perfectly welcome! Monsieur, my ammunition is in Posen; my

bread is fallen scarce; in Frankfurt can you find me one horse more?'

Indignant Soltikof is not to be taken by chaff; growls now and then,

if you stir him to the bottom: 'Why should we, who are volunteer

assistants, take all the burden of the work? I will fall back to Posen,

and home to Poland and East Preussen, if this last much longer.'

"Austria has a good deal disgusted these Soltikofs and Russian Chief

Officers;--who are not so stupid as Austria supposes. Austria's steady

wish is, 'Let them do their function of cat's-paw for us; we are here to

eat the chestnuts; not, if we can help it, to burn our own poor fingers

for them!' After every Campaign hitherto, Austria has been in use to

raise eager accusations at Petersburg; and get the Apraxins, Fermors

into trouble: this is not the way to conciliate Russian General

Officers. Austria, taught probably by Daun, now tries the other tack:

heaps Soltikof with eulogies, flatteries, magnificent presents. All

which Soltikof accepts, but with a full sense of what they mean. An

unmanageable Soltikof; his answer always,--'Your turn now to fight a

victory! I will go my ways to Posen again, if you don't.' And, in these

current weeks, in Soltikof's audience-room, if anybody were curious

about it, we could present a very lively solicitation going on, with

answers very gruff and negatory. No suasion of Montalembert, Lacy, and

Daun Embassies, backed by diamond-hilted swords, and splendor of gifts

from Vienna itself, able to prevail on the barbarous people.

"Daun at length resolves to go in person; solicits an Interview with

the distinguished Russian Conqueror; gets it, meets Soltikof at Guben,

half-way house between Frankfurt and Triebel; select suite attending

both Excellencies (August 22d); and exerts whatever rhetoric is in him

on the barbarous man. The barbarous man is stiff as brass; but Daun

comes into all his conditions: 'Saxony, Silesia,--Excellenz, we have

them both within clutch; such our exquisite angling and manoeuvring, in

concert with your immortal victory, which truly gives the life-breath to

everything. Oh, suffer us to clutch them: keep that King away from us;

and see if they are not ours, Saxony first, Silesia next! Provisions of

meal? I will myself undertake to furnish bread for you [though I have to

cart it from Bohemia all the way, and am myself terribly off; but fixed

to do the impossible]; ration of bread shall fail no Russian man, while

you escort us as protective friend. Towards Saxony first, where the

Reichs Army is, and not a Prussian in the field; the very Garrisons

mostly gone by this time. Dresden is to be besieged, within a week;

Dresden itself is ours, if only YOU please! Come into the Lausitz with

us, Magazines are there, loaves in abundance: Saxony done, Dresden ours,

cannot we turn to Silesia together; besiege Glogau together (I am myself

about trying Neisse, by Harsch again); capture Glogau as well as Neisse;

and crown the successfulest campaign that ever was? Oh, Excellenz--!'"

In a word, Excellenz, strictly fixing that condition of the loaves,

consents. Will get ready to leave those Frankfurt Wine-Hills in about

a week. "But the loaves, you recollect: no Bread, no Russian!" Daun

returns to Triebel a victorious man,--though with an onerous condition

incumbent. Tempelhof, minutely computing, finds that to cart from

Bohemia such a cipher of human rations daily into these parts, will

surpass all the vehiculatory power of Daun. [Tempelhof, iii. 225.]'

THE "REICHS ARMY" 80 CALLED HAS ENTERED SAXONY, UNDER FINE OMENS; DOES

SOME FEATS OF SIEGING (August 7th-23d),--WITH AN EYE ON DRESDEN AS THE

CROWNING ONE.

The Reichs Army, though it had been so tumbled about, in Spring, with

such havoc on its magazines and preparations, could not wait to refit

itself, except superficially; and showed face over the Mountains almost

earlier than usual. The chance was so unique: a Saxony left to its mere

Garrisons,--as it continued to be, for near two months this Year. On

such golden opportunity the Reichs Army--first, in light mischievous

precursor parties, who roamed as far as Halle or even as Halberstadt;

then the Army itself, well or ill appointed, under Generalissimo the

Prince von Zweibruck,--did come on, winding through Thuringen towards

the Northwestern Towns; various Austrian Auxiliary-Corps making

appearance on the Dresden side. Eight Austrian regiments, as a

permanency, are in the Reichs Army itself. Commander, or part Commander,

of the eight is (what alone I find noteworthy in them) "Herr General

Thomas von Blonquet:" Irish by nation, says a foot-note; [Seyfarth, ii.

831 n.]--sure enough some adventurous "Thomas PLUNKET," visible

this once, soldiering, in those circumstances; never heard of by a

sympathetic reader before or after. It was while the King was hunting

the Haddick-Loudon people in Sagan Country in such vehement fashion,

that Zweibruck came trumpeting into Saxony,--King, Prince Henri and

everybody, well occupied otherwise, far away!

The Reichs Army has a camp at Naumburg (Rossbach neighborhood): and has

light troops out in Halle neighborhood; which have seized Halle; are

very severe upon Halle, and other places thereabouts, till chased away.

August 7th, the Reichs Army begirt Leipzig; summoned the weak

garrison there. It is a Town capable of ruin, but not of defence:

"Free-withdrawal," proposes the Reichs Army,--and upon these terms gets

hold of Leipzig, for the time being. Leipzig, Torgau, Wittenberg; in

a fortnight or less, all the Prussian posts in those parts fall to

the Reichs Army. Its marchings and siegings, among those Northwestern

places, not one of them capable of standing above a few days' siege, are

worth no mention, except to Parish History: enough that, by little

after the middle of August, Zweibruck had got all these places,

"Free-withdrawal" the terms for all; and that, except it be the

following feature in their Siege of Torgau, feature mainly Biographic,

and belonging to a certain Colonel Wolfersdorf concerned, there is

not one of those Sieges now worth a moment's attention from almost any

mortal. This is the Torgau feature,--feature of human nature, soldiering

under difficulties:--

COLONEL VON WOLFERSDORF BEAUTIFULLY DEFENDS HIMSELF IN TORGAU (August

9th-14th). Two days after Leipzig was had, there appeared at Torgau a

Body of Pandours, 2,000 and more; who attempted some kind of scalade on

Torgau and its small Garrison (of 700 or so),--where are a Magazine, a

Hospital and other properties: not capable, by any garrison, of standing

regular siege; but important to defend till you have proper terms

offered. The multitudinous Pandours, if I remember, made a rush into the

Suburbs, in their usual vociferous way; but were met by the 700 silent

Prussians,--silent except through their fire-arms and field-pieces,--in

so eloquent a style as soon convinced the Pandour mind, and sent it

travelling again. And in the evening of the same day (August 9th),

Colonel Wolfersdorf arrives, as new Commandant, and with reinforcements,

small though considerable in the circumstances.

Wolfersdorf, one dimly gathers, had marched from Wittenberg on this

errand; the whole force in Torgau is now of about 3,000, still with only

field-cannon, but with a Captain over them;--who, as is evident, sets

himself in a very earnest manner to do his utmost in defence of the

place. Next morning Reichs General Kleefeld ("Cloverfield"), with 6 or

8,000 Pandour and Regular, summons Wolfersdorf: "Surrender instantly;

or--!" "We will expect you!" answers Wolfersdorf. Whereupon, same

morning (August 10th), general storm; storm No. 1: beautifully handled

by Wolfersdorf; who takes it in rear (to its astonishment), as well as

in front; and sends it off in haste. On the morrow, Saturday, a second

followed; and on Sunday a third; both likewise beautifully handled.

This third storm, readers see, was "Sunday, August 12th:" a very busy

stormful day at Torgau here,--and also, for some others of us, during

the heats of Kunersdorf, over the horizon far away! Wolfersdorf tumbles

back all storms; furthermore makes mischievous sallies: a destructive,

skilled person; altogether prompt, fertile in expedients; and evidently

is not to be managed by Kleefeld. So that Prince von Stolberg, Second to

supreme Zweibruck himself, has to take it in hand. And,

MONDAY, 13th, at break of day, Stolberg arrives with a train of

battering guns and 6,000 new people; summons Wolfersdorf: "No," as

before. Storms him, a fourth time; likewise "No," as before: attacks,

thereupon, his Elbe Bridge, and his Redoubt across the River; finds a

Wolfersdorf party rush destructively into his rear there. And has to

withdraw, and try battering from behind the Elbe Dam. Continues this,

violently for about two hours; till again Wolfersdorf, whose poor

fieldpieces, the only artillery he has, "cannot reach so far with leaden

balls" (the iron balls are done, and the powder itself is almost done),

manages, by a flank attack, to quench this also. Which produces entire

silence, and considerable private reflection, on the part of indignant

Stolberg. Stolberg offers him the favorablest terms devisable: "Withdraw

freely, with all your honors, all your properties; only withdraw!" Which

Wolfersdorf, his powder and ball being in such a state of ebb, and no

relief possible, agrees to; with stipulations very strict as to every

particular. [In _Anonymous of Hamburg_ (iii. 350) the Capitulation,

"August 14th." given IN EXTENSO.]

COLONEL VON WOLFERSDORF WITHDRAWS, ALSO BEAUTIFULLY (August 15th).

Accordingly, Wednesday, August 15th, at eight in the morning,

Wolfersdorf by the Elbe Gate moves out; across Elbe Bridge, and the

Redoubt which is on the farther shore yonder. Near this Redoubt,

Stolberg and many of his General Officers are waiting to see him go.

He goes in state; flags flying, music playing. Battalion Hessen-Cassel,

followed by all our Packages, Hospital convalescents, King's Artillery,

and whatever is the King's or ours, marches first. Next comes, as

rear-guard to all this, Battalion Grollmann;--along with which is

Wolfersdorf himself, knowing Grollmann for a ticklish article (Saxons

mainly); followed on the heel by Battalion Hofmann, and lastly by

Battalion Salmuth, trusty Prussians both of these.

Battalion Hessen-Cassel and the Baggages are through the Redoubt,

Prince of Stolberg handsomely saluting as saluted. But now, on Battalion

Grollmann's coming up, Stolberg's Adjutant cries out with a loud voice

of proclamation, many Officers repeating and enforcing: "Whoever is a

brave Saxon, whoever is true to his Kaiser, or was of the Reichs Army,

let him step out: Durchlaucht will give him protection!" At sound of

which Grollmann quivers as if struck by electricity; and instantly

begins dissolving;--dissolves, in effect, nearly all, and is in the act

of vanishing like a dream! Wolfersdorf is a prompt man; and needs to be

so. Wolfersdorf, in Olympian rage, instantly stops short; draws pistol:

"I will shoot dead every man that quits rank!" vociferates he; and

does, with his pistol, make instant example of one; inviting every true

Prussian to do the like: "Jagers, Hussars, a ducat for every traitor you

shoot down!" continues Wolfersdorf (and punctually paid it afterwards):

unable to prevent an almost total dissolution of Grollmann. For some

minutes, there is a scene indescribable: storm of vociferation, menace,

musket-shot, pistol-shot; Grollmann disappearing on every side,--"behind

the Redoubt, under the Bridge, into Elbe Boats, under the cloaks of the

Croats;"--in spite of Wolfersdorf's Olympian rages and efforts.

At sight of the shooting, Prince Stolberg, a hot man, had said

indignantly, "Herr, that will be dangerous for you (DAS WIRD NICHT GUT

GEHN)!" Wolfersdorf not regarding him a whit; regarding only Grollmann,

and his own hot business of coercing it at a ducat per head. Grollmann

gone, and Battalion Hofmann in due sequence come up, Wolfersdorf--who

has sent an Adjutant, with order, "Hessen-Cassel, HALT"--gives

Battalion Hofmann these three words of command: "Whole Battalion,

halt!--Front!--Make ready!" (with due simultaneous click of every

firelock, on utterance of that last);--and turning to Prince Stolberg,

with a brow, with a tone of voice: "Durchlaucht, Article 9 of the

Capitulation is express on this point; 'ALL DESERTION STRICTLY

PROHIBITED; NO DESERTER TO BE RECEIVED EITHER ON THE IMPERIAL OR ON

THE PRUSSIAN SIDE!' [Durchlaucht silently gives, we suppose, some faint

sniff.] Since your Durchlaucht does not keep the Capitulation, neither

will I regard it farther. I will now take you and your Suite prisoners,

return into the Town, and again begin defending myself. Be so good as

ride directly into that Redoubt, or I will present, and give fire!"

A dangerous moment for the Durchlaucht of Stolberg; Battalion Salmuth

actually taking possession of the wall again; Hofmann here with its

poised firelock on the cock, "ready" for that fourth word, as above

indicated. A General Lusinsky of Stolberg's train, master of those

Croats, and an Austrian of figure, remarks very seriously: "Every

point of the Capitulation must be kept!" Upon which Durchlaucht has to

renounce and repent; eagerly assists in recovering Grollmann, restores

it (little the worse, little the FEWER); will give Wolfersdorf "COMMAND

of the Austrian Escort you are to have", and every satisfaction and

assurance;--wishful only to get rid of Wolfersdorf. Who thereupon

marches to Wittenberg, with colors flying again, and a name mentionable

ever since. [Templehof, iii. 201-204; Seyfarth, ii. 562 n., and _

Beylagen,_ ii. 587; _Militair-Lexikon,_ iv. 283.]

This Wolfersdorf was himself a Pirna Saxon; serving Polish Majesty, as

Major, in that Pirna time; perhaps no admirer of "Feldmarschall Bruhl"

and Company?--at any rate, he took Prussian service, as then offered

him; and this is his style of keeping it. A decidedly clever soldier,

and comes out, henceforth, more and more as such,--unhappily not for

long. Was taken at Maxen, he too, as will be seen. Rose, in after times,

to be Lieutenant-General, and a man famous in the Prussian military

circles; but given always, they say, to take the straight line (or

shortest distance between self and object), in regard to military

matters, to recruiting and the like, and thus getting himself into

trouble with the Civil Officials.

Wolfersdorf, at Wittenberg or farther on, had a flattering word from the

King; applauding his effective procedures at Torgau; and ordering him,

should Wittenberg fall (as it did, August 23d), to join Wunsch, who is

coming with a small Party to try and help in those destitute localities.

Wunsch the King had detached (21st August), as we heard already. Finck

the King finds, farther, that he can detach (from Waldau Country,

September 7th); [Tempelhof, iii. 211, 237.] Russians being so languid,

and Saxony fallen into such a perilous predicament.

"Few days after Kunersdorf," says a Note, which should be inserted here,

"there had fallen out a small Naval matter, which will be consolatory to

Friedrich, and go to the other side of the account, when he hears of

it: Kunersdorf was Sunday, August 12th; this was Saturday and Sunday

following. Besides their Grand Brest Fleet, with new Flat-bottoms, and

world-famous land-preparations going on at Vannes, for Invasion of

proud Albion, all which are at present under Hawke's strict keeping, the

French have, ever since Spring last, a fine subsidiary Fleet at Toulon,

of very exultant hopes at one time; which now come to finis.

"SEA-FIGHT (PROPERLY SEA-HUNT OF 200 MILES), IN THE CADIZ WATERS, AUGUST

18th-19th. The fine Toulon Fleet, which expected at one time, Pitt's

ships being so scattered over the world, to be 'mistress of the

Mediterranean,' has found itself, on the contrary (such were Pitt's

resources and promptitudes); cooped in harbor all Summer; Boscawen

watching it in the usual strict way. No egress possible; till, in

the sultry weather (8th July-4th August), Boscawen's need of fresh

provisions, fresh water and of making some repairs, took him to

Gibraltar, and gave the Toulon Fleet a transient opportunity, which it

made use of.

"August 17th, at 8 in the evening, Boscawen, at Gibraltar (some of his

ships still in deshabille or under repair), was hastily apprised by one

of his Frigates, That the Toulon Fleet had sailed; been seen visibly at

Ceuta Point so many hours ago. 'Meaning,' as Boscawen guesses, 'to

be through the Straits this very night!' By power of despatch, the

deshabille ships were rapidly got buttoned together (in about two

hours); and by 10 P.M. all were under sail. And soon were in hot chase;

the game, being now in view,--going at its utmost through the Straits,

as anticipated. At 7 next morning (Saturday, August 18th) Boscawen got

clutch of the Toulon Fleet; still well east of Cadiz, somewhere in the

Trafalgar waters, I should guess. Here Boscawen fought and chased the

Toulon Fleet for 24 hours coming; drove it finally ashore, at Lagos on

the coast of Portugal, with five of its big ships burnt or taken,

its crews and other ships flying by land and water, its poor Admiral

mortally wounded; and the Toulon Fleet a ruined article. The wind had

been capricious, here fresh, there calm; now favoring the hunters,

now the hunted; both Fleets had dropped in two. De la Clue, the French

Admiral, complained bitterly how his Captains lagged, or shore off and

forsook him. Boscawen himself, who for his own share had gone at it

eagle-like, was heard grumbling, about want of speed in some people;

and said: 'It is well; but it might have been better!' [Beatson,

ii. 313-319; ib. iii. 237-238, De la Clue, the French Admiral's

Despatch;--Boscawen's Despatch, &c., in _Gentleman's Magazine,_ xxix.

434.]

"De la Clue--fallen long ago from all notions of 'dominating the

Mediterranean'--had modestly intended to get through, on any terms,

into the Ocean; might then, if possible, have joined the Grand 'Invasion

Squadron,' now lying at Brest, till Vannes and the furnishings are

ready, or have tried to be troublesome in the rear of Hawke, who is

blockading all that. A modest outlook in comparison;--and this is

what it also has come to. As for the Grand Invasion Squadron, Admiral

Conflans, commanding it, still holds up his head in Brest Harbor, and

talks big. Makes little of Rodney's havoc on the Flat-bottoms at Havre,

'Will soon have Flat-bottoms again: and you shall see!'--if only Hawke,

and wind and weather and Fortune, will permit."

AUSTRIAN REICHS ARMY DOES ITS CROWNING FEAT (August 26th-September 4th):

DIARY OF WHAT IS CALLED THE "SIEGE" OF DRESDEN.

Since the first weeks of, August there have been Austrian detachments,

Wehla's Corps, Brentano's Corps, entering Saxony from the northeast

or Daun-ward side, and posting themselves in the strong points looking

towards Dresden; waiting there till the Reichs Army should capture its

Leipzigs, Torgaus, Wittenbergs, and roll forward from northwest. To all

which it is easy to fancy what an impetus was given by Kunersdorf

and August 12th; the business, after that, going on double-quick, and

pointing to immediate practical industry on Dresden. The Reichs Army

hastens to settle its northwestern Towns, puts due garrison in each,

leaves a 10 or 12,000 movable for general protection, in those parts;

and, August 23d, marches for Dresden. There are only some 15,000 left

of it now; almost half the Reichs Army drunk up in that manner; were

not Daun now speeding forth his Maguire with a fresh 12,000; who is to

command the Wehlas and Brentanos as well. And, in effect, to be Austrian

Chief, and as regards practical matters, Manager of this important

Enterprise,--all-important to Daun just now. Schmettau in Dresden sees

clearly what mischief is at hand.

To Daun this Siege of Dresden is the alpha to whatever omegas there may

be: he and his Soltikof are to sit waiting this; and can attempt nothing

but eating of provender, till this be achieved. As the Siege was really

important, though not quite the alpha to all omegas, and has in it

curious points and physiognomic traits, we will invite readers to

some transient inspection of it,--the rather as there exist ample

contemporary Narratives, DIARIUMS and authentic records, to render that

possible and easy. [In TEMPELHOF (iii. 210-216-222) complete and careful

Narrative; in ANONYMOUS OF HAMBURG (iii. 371-377) express "DAY-BOOK" by

some Eye-witness in Dresden.]'

"Ever since the rumor of Kunersdorf," says one Diarium, compiled out of

many, "in the last two weeks of August, Schmettau's need of vigilance

and diligence has been on the increase, his outlooks becoming grimmer

and grimmer. He has a poorish Garrison for number (3,700 in all

[Schmettau's LEBEN (by his Son), p. 408.]), and not of the best quality;

deserters a good few of them: willing enough for strokes; fighting

fellows all, and of adventurous turn, but uncertain as to loyalty in a

case of pinch. He has endless stores in the place; for one item, almost

a million sterling of ready money. Poor Schmettau, if he knew it, has

suddenly become the Leonidas of this campaign, Dresden its Thermopylae;

and"--But readers can conceive the situation.

"AUGUST 20th, Schmettau quits the Neustadt, or northern part of Dresden,

which lies beyond the River: unimportant that, and indefensible with

garrison not adequate; Schmettau will strengthen the River-bank, blow up

the Stone Bridge if necessary, and restrict himself to Dresden Proper.

The Court is here; Schmettau does not hope that the Court can avert a

Siege from him; but he fails not to try, in that way too, and may at

least gain time.

"AUGUST 25th, He has a Mine put under the main arch of the Bridge: 'mine

ill-made, uncertain of effect,' reports the Officer whom he sent to

inspect it. But it was never tried, the mere rumor of it kept off

attacks on that side. Same day, August 25th, Schmettau receives that

unfortunate Royal Missive [Tempelhof, iii. 208; Schmettau's LEBEN (p.

421) has "August 27th."] written in the dark days of Reitwein, morrow of

Kunersdorf (14th or 13th August)," which we read above. "That there is

another Letter on the road for him, indicating 'Relief shall be tried,'

is unknown to Schmettau, and fatally continues unknown. While Schmettau

is reading this (August 25th), General Wunsch has been on the road four

days: Wunsch and Wolfersdorf with about 8,000, at their quickest pace,

and in a fine winged frame of mind withal, are speeding on: will cross

Elbe at Meissen to-morrow night,--did Schmettau only know. People say

he did, in the way of rumor, understand that Kunersdorf had not been

the fatal thing it was thought; and that efforts would be made by a King

like his. In his place one might have, at least, shot out a spy or two?

But he did not, then or afterwards.

"Already, ever since the arrival of Wehla and Brentano in those parts,

he has been laboring under many uncertainties; too many for a Leonidas!

Hanging between Yes and No, even about that of quitting the Neustadt,

for example: carrying over portions of his goods, but never heartily the

whole; unable to resolve; now lifting visibly the Bridge pavement,

then again visibly restoring it;--and, I think, though the contrary

is asserted, he had at last to leave in the Neustadt a great deal of

stores, horse-provender and other, not needful to him at present, or

impossible to carry, when dubiety got ended. He has put a mine under the

Bridge; but knows it will not go off.

"Schmettau has been in many wars, but this is a case that tries his

soldier qualities as none other has ever done. A case of endless

intricacy,--if he be quite equal to it; which perhaps he was not

altogether. Nobody ever doubted Schmettau's high qualities as a man and

captain; but here are requisite the very highest, and these Schmettau

has not. The result was very tragical; I suppose, a pain to Friedrich

all his life after; and certainly to Schmettau all his. This is Saturday

night, 25th August: before Tuesday week (September 4th) there will have

sad things arrived, irremediable to Schmettau. Had Schmettau decided to

defend himself, Dresden had not been taken. What a pity Schmettau had

not been spared this Missive, calculated to produce mere doubt! Whether

he could not, and should not, after a ten days of inquiry and new

discernment, have been able to read the King's true meaning, as well

as the King's momentary humor, in this fatal Document, there is no

deciding. Sure enough, he did not read the King's true meaning in it,

but only the King's momentary humor; did not frankly set about defending

himself to the death,--or 'seeing' in that way 'whether he could not

defend himself,'--with a good capitulation lying in the rear, after he

had.

"SUNDAY, AUGUST 26th, Trumpet at the gates. Messenger from Zweibruck is

introduced blindfold; brings formal Summons to Schmettau. Summons duly

truculent: 'Resistance vain; the more you resist, the worse it will

be,--and there is a worst [that of being delivered to the Croats, and

massacred every man], of which why should I speak? Especially if in

anything you fail of your duty to the Kur-Prinz [Electoral Prince and

Heir-Apparent, poor crook-backed young Gentleman, who has an excellent

sprightly Wife, a friend of Friedrich's and daughter of the late Kaiser

Karl VII., whom we used so beautifully], imagine what your fate will

be!'--To which Schmettau answers: 'Can Durchlaucht think us ignorant

of the common rules of behavior to Persons of that Rank? For the rest,

Durchlaucht knows what our duties here are, and would despise us if we

did NOT do them;'--and, in short, our answer again is, in polite

forms, 'Pooh, pooh; you may go your way!' Upon which the Messenger is

blindfolded again; and Schmettau sets himself in hot earnest to clearing

out his goods from the Neustadt; building with huge intertwisted

cross-beams and stone and earth-masses a Battery at his own end of the

Bridge, batteries on each side of it, below and above;--locks the Gates;

and is passionately busy all Sunday,--though divine service goes on as

usual.

"Hardly were the Prussian guns got away, when Croat people in quantity

came in, and began building a Battery at their end of the Bridge, the

main defence-work being old Prussian meal-barrels, handily filled with

earth. 'If you fire one cannon-ball across on us,' said Schmettau, 'I

will bombard the Neustadt into flame in few minutes [I have only to aim

at our Hay Magazine yonder]: be warned! 'Nor did they once fire from

that side; Electoral Highness withal and Royal Palace being quite

contiguous behind the Prussian Bridge-Battery. Electoral Highness and

Household are politely treated, make polite answer to everything; intend

going down into the 'APOTHEKE' (Kitchen suite), or vaulted part of the

Palace, and will lodge there when the cannonade begins.

"This same SUNDAY, AUGUST 26th, Maguire arrived; and set instantly to

building his bridge at Pillnitz, a little way above Dresden: at Uebigau,

a little below Dresden, the Reichsfolk have another. Reichsfolk,

Zweibruck in person, come all in on Wednesday; post themselves there,

to north and west of the City. What is more important, the siege-guns,

a superb stock, are steadily floating, through the Pirna regions,

hitherward; get to hand on Friday next, the fifth day hence. [Tempelhof,

p. 210.] Korbitz (half-way out to Kesselsdorf) is Durchlaucht's

head-quarter:--Chief General is Durchlaucht, conspicuously he, at least

in theory, and shall have all the glory; though Maguire, glancing on

these cannon, were it nothing more, has probably a good deal to say.

Maguire too, I observe, takes post on that north or Kesselsdorf side;

contiguous for the Head General. Wehla and Brentano post themselves on

the south or up-stream side; it is they that hand in the siege-guns:

batteries are already everywhere marked out, 13 cannon-batteries and 5

howitzer. In short, from the morrow of that truculent Summons, Monday

morning to Thursday, there is hot stir of multifarious preparation on

Schmettau's part; and continual pouring in of the hostile force, who are

also preparing at the utmost. Thursday, the Siege, if it can be called a

Siege, begins. Gradually, and as follows:--

"THURSDAY MORNING (August 30th), Schmettau, who is, night and day,

'palisading the River,' and much else,--discloses (that is, Break of

Day discloses on his part) to the Dresden public a huge Gallows, black,

huge, of impressive aspect; labelled 'For Plunderers, Mutineers and

their Helpers.' [ANONYMOUS OF HAMBURG, iii. 373.] The Austrian heavy

guns are not yet in battery; but multitudes of loose Croat people go

swarming about everywhere, and there is plentiful firing from such

artilleries as they have. This same Thursday morning, two or three

battalions of them rush into the Pirna Suburb; attack the Prussian

Guard-parties there. Schmettau instantly despatches Captain Kollas and a

Trumpet:--'Durchlaucht, have the goodness to recall these Croat Parties;

otherwise the Suburb goes into flame! And directly on arrival of this

Messenger, may it please Durchlaucht. For we have computed the time; and

will not wait beyond what is reasonable for his return!' Zweibruck is

mere indignation and astonishment; 'will burn Halle,' burn Quedlinburg,

Berlin itself, and utterly ruin the King of Prussia's Dominion in

general:--the rejoinder to which is, burning of Pirna Suburb, as

predicted; seventy houses of it, this evening, at six o'clock.

"Onward from which time there is on both sides, especially on

Schmettau's, diligent artillery practice; cannonade kept up wherever

Schmettau can see the enemy busy; enemy responding with what artillery

he has:--not much damage done, I should think, though a great deal of

noise; and for one day (Saturday, September 1st), our Diarist notes,

'Not safe to walk the streets this day.' But, in effect, the Siege,

as they call it,--which fell dead on the fifth day, and was never well

alive--consists mainly of menace and counter-menace, in the way of

bargain-making and negotiation;--and, so far as I can gather, that

superb Park of Austrian Artillery, though built into batteries, and

talked about in a bullying manner, was not fired from at all.

"Schmettau affects towards the enemy (and towards himself, I dare say)

an air of iron firmness; but internally has no such feeling,--'Calls a

Council of War,' and the like. Council of War, on sight of that King's

Missive, confirms him with one voice: 'Surely, surely, Excellenz; no

defence possible!' Which is a prophecy and a fulfilment, both in one.

Why Schmettau did not shoot forth a spy or two, to ascertain for him

What, or whether Nothing whatever, was passing outside Dresden? I never

understand! Beyond his own Walls, the world is a vacancy and blank to

Schmettau, and he seems content it should be so.

"SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 2d. Though Schmettau's cannonade was very loud, and

had been so all night, divine service was held as usual, streets safe

again,--Austrians, I suppose, not firing with cannon. About 4 P.M.,

after a great deal of powder spent, General Maguire, stepping out on

Elbe Bridge, blows or beats Appeal, three times; 'wishes a moment's

conversation with his Excellency.' Granted at once; witnesses attending

on both sides. 'Defence is impossible; in the name of humanity,

consider!' urges Maguire. 'Defence to the last man of us is certain,'

answers Schmettau, from the teeth outwards;--but, in the end, engages to

put on paper, in case he, by extremity of ill-luck, have at any time

to accept terms, what his terms will inflexibly be. Upon which there is

'Armistice till To-morrow:' and Maguire, I doubt not, reports joyfully

on this feeling of the enemy's pulse. Zweibruck and Maguire are very

well aware of what is passing in these neighborhoods (General Wunsch

back at Wittenberg by forced marches; blew it open in an hour); and are

growing highly anxious that Dresden on any terms were theirs.

"MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3d, The death-day of the Siege; an uncommonly busy

day,--though Armistice lasted perfect till 3 P.M., and soon came back

more perfect than ever. A Siege not killed by cannon, but by medical

industry. Let us note with brevity the successive symptoms and

appliances. About seven in the morning Maguire had his Messenger in

Dresden, 'Your Excellency's Paper ready?' 'Nearly ready,' answers

Schmettau; 'we will send it by a Messenger of our own.' And about eleven

of the day Maguire does get it;--the same Captain Kollas (whose name we

recollect) handing it in; and statue-like waiting Answer. 'Pshaw, this

will never do,' ejaculates Maguire; 'terms irrationally high!' Captain

Kollas 'knows nothing of what is IN the Paper; and is charged only to

bring a Written Answer from Excellenz.' Excellenz, before writing, 'will

have to consult with Durchlaucht;' can, however, as if confidentially

and from feelings of friendship, can assure you, Sir, on my honor, That

the Garrison will be delivered to the Croats, and every man of it put

to the sword. 'The Garrison will expect that (WIRD DAS ERWARTEN),' said

Kollas, statue-like; and withdrew, with the proper bow. [Tempelhof, iii.

211.] Something interesting to us in these Military diplomatic passages,

with their square-elbowed fashions, and politeness stiff as iron!

"Not till three of the afternoon does the Written Answer reach

Schmettau: 'Such Terms never could be accepted.'--'Good,' answers

Schmettau: 'To our last breath no others will be offered.' And commences

cannonading again, not very violently, but with the order, 'Go on, then,

night and day!'

"About 10 at night, General Guasco, a truculent kind of man, whom I have

met with up and down, but not admitted to memory, beats Appeal on

the Bridge: 'Inform the Commandant that there will now straightway 13

batteries of cannon, and 5 ditto of howitzers open on him, unless he

bethinks himself!' Which dreadful message is taken to Schmettau. 'Wish

the gentleman good-evening,' orders Schmettau; 'and say we will answer

with 100 guns.' Upon which Guasco vanishes;--but returns in not many

minutes, milder in tone; requests 'a sight of that Written Paper of

Terms again.' 'There it still is,' answers Schmettau, 'not altered, nor

ever shall be.' And there is Armistice again:--and the Siege, as turns

out, has fired its last shot; and is painfully expiring in paroxysms

of negotiation, which continue a good many hours. Schmettau strives

to understand clearly that his terms (of the King's own suggesting, as

Schmettau flatters himself) are accepted: nor does Durchlaucht take

upon him to refuse in any point; but he is strangely slow to sign, still

hoping to mend matters.

"Much hithering and thithering there was, till 4 next morning

(Durchlaucht has important news from Torgau, at that moment); till 11

next day; till 4 in the afternoon and later,--Guasco and others coming

with message after message, hasty and conciliatory: (Durchlaucht at such

a distance, his signature not yet come; but be patient; all is right,

upon my honor!' Very great hurry evident on the part of Guasco and

Company; but, nothing suspected by Schmettau. Till, dusk or darkness

threatening now to supervene, Maguire and Schmettau with respective

suites have a Conference on the Bridge,--'rain falling very heavy.'

Durchlaucht's signature, Maguire is astonished to say, has not yet come;

hut Maguire pledges his honor 'that all shall be kept without chicane;'

and adds 'what to some of us seemed not superfluous afterwards), 'I am

incapable of acting falsely or with chicane.' In fact, till 9 in the

evening there was no signature by Durchlaucht; but about 6, on such

pledge by Maguire of his hand and his honor, the Siege entirely gave

up the ghost; and Dresden belonged to Austria. Tuesday Evening, 4th

September, 1759; Sun just setting, could anybody see him for the rain.

"Schmettau had been over-hasty; what need had Schmettau of haste? The

terms had not yet got signature, perfection of settlement on every

point; nor were they at all well kept, when they did! Considerable

flurry, temporary blindness, needless hurry, and neglect of symptoms

and precautions, must be imputed to poor Schmettau; whose troubles began

from this moment, and went on increasing. The Austrians are already

besetting Elbe Bridge, rooting up the herring-bone balks; and

approaching our Block-house,--sooner than was expected. But that is

nothing. On opening the Pirna Gate to share it with the Austrians,

Friedrich's Spy (sooner had not been possible to the man) was waiting;

who handed Schmettau that Second Letter of Friedrich's, 'Courage; there

is relief on the road!' Poor Schmettau!"

What Captain Kollas and the Prussian Garrison thought of all this,

THEY were perhaps shy of saying, and we at such distance are not

informed,--except by one symptom: that, of Colonel Hoffman, Schmettau's

Second, whose indignation does become tragically evident. Hoffman, a

rugged Prussian veteran, is indignant at the Capitulation itself; doubly

and trebly indignant to find the Austrians on Elbe Bridge, busy raising

our Balks and Battery: "How is this Sir?" inquires he of Captain Sydow,

who is on guard at the Prussian end; "How dared you make this change,

without acquainting the Second in Command? Order out your men, and come

along with me to clear the Bridge again!" Sydow hesitates, haggles;

indignant Hoffman, growing loud as thunder, pulls out a pistol,

fatal-looking to disobedient Sydow; who calls to his men, or whose men

spring out uncalled; and shoot Hoffman down,--send two balls through

him, so that he died at 8 that night. With noise enough, then and

afterwards. Was drunk, said Schmettau's people. Friedrich answered, on

report of it: "I think as Hoffman did. If he was 'drunk,' it is pity the

Governor and all the Garrison had not been so, to have come to the same

judgment, as he." [P.S. in Autograph of Letter to Schmettau, "Waldau,

11th September, 1759" (Preuss, ii.; _Urkundenbuch,_ p. 45).] Friedrich's

unbearable feelings, of grief and indignation, in regard to all this

Dresden matter,--which are not expressed except coldly in business

form,--can be fancied by all readers. One of the most tragical bits

of ill-luck that ever befell him. A very sore stroke, in his present

condition; a signal loss and affront. And most of all, unbearable

to think how narrowly it has missed being a signal triumph;--missed

actually by a single hair's-breadth, which is as good as by a mile, or

by a thousand miles!

Soon after 9 o'clock that evening, Durchlaucht in person came rolling

through our battery and the herring-bone balks, to visit Electoral

Highness,--which was not quite the legal time either, Durchlaucht had

not been half an hour with Electoral Highness, when a breathless Courier

came in: "General Wunsch within ten miles [took Torgau in no time, as

Durchlaucht well knows, for a week past]; and will be here before we

sleep!" Durchlaucht plunged out, over the herring-bone balks again

(which many carpenters are busy lifting); and the Electoral Highnesses,

in like manner, hurry off to Toplitz that same night, about an hour

after. What a Tuesday Night! Poor Hoffman is dead at 8 o'clock; the

Saxon Royalties, since 11, are galloping for Pirna, for Toplitz;

Durchlaucht of Zweibruck we saw hurry off an hour before

them,--Capitulation signature not yet dry, and terms of it beginning to

be broken; and Wunsch reported to be within ten miles!

The Wunsch report is perfectly correct. Wunsch is at Grossenhayn this

evening; all in a fiery mood of swiftness, his people and he;--and

indeed it is, by chance, one of Wolfersdorf's impetuosities that has

sent the news so fast. Wunsch had been as swift with Torgau as he was

with Wittenberg: he blew out the poor Reichs Garrison there by instant

storm, and packed it off to Leipzig, under charge of "an Officer and

Trumpet:"--he had, greatly against his will, to rest two days there for

a few indispensable cannon from Magdeburg. Cannon once come, Wunsch,

burning for deliverance of Dresden, had again started at his swiftest,

"Monday, 3d September [death day of the Siege], very early."

"He is under 8,000; but he is determined to do it;--and would have done

it, think judges, half thinks Zweibruck himself: such a fire in that

Wunsch and his Corps as is very dangerous indeed. At 4 this morning,

Zweibruck heard of his being on march: 'numbers uncertain'--(numbers

seemingly not the important point,--blows any number of us about our

business!)--and since that moment Zweibruck has driven the capitulation

at such a pace; though the flurried Schmettau suspected nothing.

"Afternoon of TUESDAY, 4th, Wunsch, approaching Grossenhayn, had

detached Wolfersdorf with 100 light horse rightwards to Grodel, a

boating Village on Elbe shore, To seek news of Dresden; also to see if

boats are procurable for carrying our artillery up thither. At Grodel,

Wolfersdorf finds no boats that will avail: but certain boat-people, new

from Dresden, report that no capitulation had been published when they

left, but that it was understood to be going on. New spur to Wolfersdorf

and Wunsch. Wolfersdorf hears farther in this Village, That there are

some thirty Austrian horse in Grossenhayn:--'Possible these may escape

General Wunsch!' thinks Wolfersdorf; and decides to have them. Takes

thirty men of his own; orders the other seventy to hold rightward,

gather what intelligence is going, and follow more leisurely; and breaks

off for the Grossenhayn-Dresden Highway, to intercept those fellows.

"Getting to the highway, Wolfersdorf does see the fellows; sees

also,--with what degree of horror I do not know,--that there are

at least 100 of them against his 30! Horror will do nothing for

Wolfersdorf, nor are his other 70 now within reach. Putting a bold face

on the matter, he commands, Stentor-like, as if it were all a fact:

'Grenadiers, march; Dragoons, to right forwards, WHEEL; Hussars,

FORWARD: MARCH!'--and does terrifically dash forward with the thirty

Hussars, or last item of the invoice; leaving the others to follow. The

Austrians draw bridle with amazement; fire off their carbines; take to

their heels, and do not stop for more. Wolfersdorf captures 68 of them,

for behoof of Grossenhayn; and sends the remaining 32 galloping home.

[Tempelhof, iii. 214.] Who bring the above news to Durchlaucht of

Zweibruck: '12,000 of them, may it please your Durchlaucht; such the

accounts we had!'--Fancy poor Schmettau's feelings!

"On the morrow Dresden was roused from its sleep by loud firing and

battle, audible on the north side of the River: 'before daybreak, and

all day.' It is Wunsch impetuously busy in the woody countries there.

Durchlaucht had shot out Generals and Divisions, Brentano, Wehla,

this General and then that, to intercept Wunsch: these the fiery

Wunsch--almost as if they had been combustible material coming to quench

fire--repels and dashes back, in a wonderful manner, General after

General of them. And is lord of the field all day:--but cannot hear the

least word from Dresden; which is a surprising circumstance.

"In the afternoon Wunsch summons Maguire in the Neustadt: 'Will answer

you in two hours,' said Maguire. Wunsch thereupon is for attacking

their two Pontoon Elbe-Bridges; still resolute for Dresden,--and orders

Wolfersdorf on one of them, the Uebigau Bridge, who finds the enemy

lifting it at any rate, and makes them do it faster. But night is now

sinking; from Schmettau not a word or sign. 'Silence over there, all

day; not a single cannon to or from,' say Wunsch and Wolfersdorf to one

another. 'Schmettau must have capitulated!' conclude they, and withdraw

in the night-time, still thunderous if molested; bivouac at Grossenhayn,

after twenty-four hours of continual march and battle, not time even for

a snatch of food. [BERICHT VON DER ACTION DES GENERAL-MAJORS VON WUNSCH,

BEY REICHENBERG, DEN 5 SEPTEMBER, 1759 in Seyfarth, _Beylagen,_ ii.

606-608.]

"Resting at Grossenhayn, express reaches Wunsch from his Commandant at

Torgau: 'Kleefeld is come on me from Leipzig with 14,000; I cannot long

hold out, unless relieved.' Wunsch takes the road again; two marches,

each of twenty miles. Reaches Torgau late; takes post in the ruins of

the North Suburb, finds he must fight Kleefeld. Refreshes his men

'with a keg of wine per Company,' surely a judicious step; and sends to

Wolfersdorf, who has the rear-guard, 'Be here with me to-morrow at

10.' Wolfersdorf starts at 4, is here at 10: and Wunsch, having scanned

Kleefeld and his Position [a Position strong IF you are dexterous to

manoeuvre in it; capable of being ruinous if you are not,--part of

the Position of a bigger BATTLE OF TORGAU, which is coming],--flies at

Kleefeld and his 14,000 like a cat-o'-mountain; takes him on the left

flank:--Kleefeld and such overplus of thousands are standing a little to

west-and-south of Torgau, with the ENTEFANG [a desolate big reedy mere,

or PLACE OF DUCKS, still offering the idle Torgauer a melancholy sport

there] as a protection to their right; but with no evolution-talent, or

none in comparison to Wunsch's;--and accordingly are cut to pieces

by Wunsch, and blown to the winds, as their fellows have all been."

[HOFBERCHT VON DER AM 8 SEPTEMBER, 1759, BEY TORGAU, VORGEFALLENEN

ACTION: in Seyfarth, _ Beylagen,_ ii. 609, 610. Tempelhof, iii.

219-222.]

Wunsch, absolute Fate forbidding, could not save Dresden: but he is

here lord of the Northern regions again,--nothing but Leipzig now in

the enemy's hand;--and can await Finck, who is on march with a stronger

party to begin business here. It is reckoned, there are few more

brilliant little bits of Soldiering than this of Wunsch's. All the more,

as his men, for most part, were not Prussian, but miscellaneous Foreign

spirits of uncertain fealty: roving fellows, of a fighting turn,

attracted by Friedrich's fame, and under a Captain who had the art of

keeping them in tune. Wunsch has been soldiering, in a diligent though

dim miscellaneous way, these five-and-twenty years; fought in the old

Turk Wars, under disastrous Seckendorf,--Wunsch a poor young Wurtemberg

ensign, visibly busy there (1737-1739)) as was this same Schmettau, in

the character of staff-officer, far enough apart from Wunsch at that

time!--fought afterwards, in the Bavarian service, in the Dutch, at

Roucoux, at Lauffeld, again under disastrous people. Could never, under

such, find anything but subaltern work all this while; was glad to

serve, under the eye of Friedrich, as Colonel of a Free Corps; which he

has done with much diligence and growing distinction: till now, at the

long last, his chance does come; and he shows himself as a real General.

Possibly a high career lying ahead;--a man that may be very valuable

to Friedrich, who has now so few such left? Fate had again decided

otherwise for Wunsch; in what way will be seen before this Campaign

ends: "an infernal Campaign," according to Friedrich, "CETTE CAMPAGNE

INFERNALE."

Finck, whom Friedrich had just detached from Waldau (September 6th) with

a new 8 or 6,000, to command in chief in those parts, and, along with

Wunsch, put Dresden out of risk, as it were,--Finck does at least

join Wunsch, as we shall mention in a little. And these Two, with such

Wolfersdorfs and people under them, did prove capable of making front

against Reichsfolk in great overplus of number. Nor are farther SIEGES

of those Northern Garrisons, but recaptures of them, the news one

hears from Saxony henceforth;--only that Dresden is fatally gone.

Irrecoverably, as turned out, and in that unbearable manner. Here is the

concluding scene:--

DRESDEN, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8th; EXIT SCHMETTAU. "A thousand times

over, Schmettau must have asked himself, 'Why was I in such a hurry?

Without cause for it I, only Maguire having cause!'--The Capitulation

had been ended in a huddle, without signature: an unwise Capitulation;

and it was scandalously ill kept. Schmettau was not to have marched

till Monday, 10th,--six clear days for packing and preparing;--but,

practically, he has to make three serve him; and to go half-packed, or

not packed at all. Endless chicanes do arise, 'upon my honor!'--not

even the 800 wagons are ready for us; 'Can't your baggages go in boats,

then?' 'No, nor shall!' answers Schmettau, with blazing eyes, and heart

ready to burst; a Schmettau living all this while as in Purgatory, or

worse. Such bullyings from truculent Guasco, who is now without muzzle.

Capitulation, most imperfect in itself, is avowedly infringed: King's

Artillery,--which we had haggled for, and ended by 'hoping for,' to

Maguire that rainy evening: why were we in such a hurry, too, and blind

to Maguire's hurry!--King's Artillery, according to Durchlaucht of

Zweibruck, when he actually signed within the walls, is 'NICHT ACCORDIRT

(Not granted), except the Field part.' King's regimental furnishings,

all and sundry, were 'ACCORDIRT, and without visitation,'--but on second

thoughts, the Austrian Officials are of opinion there must really be

visitation, must be inspection. 'May not some of them belong to Polish

Majesty?' In which sad process of inspection there was incredible waste,

Schmettau protesting; and above half of the new uniforms were lost to

us. Our 80 pontoons, which were expressly bargained for, are brazenly

denied us: '20 of them are Saxon,' cry the Austrians: 'who knows if they

are not almost all Saxon,'--upon my honor! At this rate, only wait a day

or two, and fewer wagons than 800 will be needed! thinks Schmettau; and

consents to 18 river-boats; Boats in part, then; and let us march at

once. Accordingly,

"SATURDAY, 8th, at 5 in the morning, Schmettau, with goods and people,

does at last file out: across Elbe Bridge through the Neustadt;

Prussians five deep; a double rank of Austrians, ranged on each side, in

'espalier' they call it,--espalier with gaps in it every here and there,

to what purpose is soon evident. The march was so disposed (likewise for

a purpose) that, all along, there were one or two Companies of Prussian

Foot; and then in the interval, carriages, cannon, cavalry and hussars.

Schmettau's carriage is with the rear-guard, Madam Schmettau's well

in the van:--in two other carriages are two Prussian War-and-Domain

Ministers. [ANONYMOUS OF HAMBURG, III. 376.] 'Managers of Saxon

Finance,' these Two;--who will have to manage elsewhere than in

Dresden henceforth. Zinnow, Borck, they sit veritably there, with their

multiform Account Papers: of whom I know absolutely nothing,--except (if

anybody cared) that Zinnow, who 'died of apoplexy in June following,'

is probably of pursy red-nosed type; and that Borck, for certain, has

a very fine face and figure; delicacy, cheerful dignity, perfect

gentlemanhood in short, written on every feature of him; as painted by

Pesne, and engraved by Schmidt, for my accidental behoof. [_Fredericus

Wilhelmus Borck (Pesne pinxit,_ 1732; _Schmidt, sculptur Regis,

sculpsit, Berolini,_ 1764): an excellent Print and Portrait.] Curious

to think of that elaborate court-coat and flowing periwig, with this

specific Borck, 'old as the Devil' (whom I have had much trouble to

identify), forming visible part of this dismal Procession: the bright

eye of Borck not smiling as usual, but clouded, though impassive! But

that of Borck or his Limners is not the point.

"The Prussians have been divided into small sections, with a mass of

baggage-wagons and cavalry between every two. And no sooner is the mass

got in movement, than there rises from the Austrian part, and continues

all the way, loud invitation, 'Whosoever is a brave Saxon, a brave

Austrian, Reichsman, come to us! Gaps in the espalier, don't you

see!' And Schmettau, in the rear, with baggage and cavalry

intervening,--nobody can reach Schmettau. Here is a way of keeping your

bargain! The Prussian Officers struggle stoutly: but are bellowed at,

struck at, menaced by bayonet and bullet,--none of them shot, I think,

but a good several of them cut and wounded;--the Austrian Officers

themselves in passionate points behaving shamefully, 'Yes, shoot them

down, the (were it nothing else) heretic dogs;' and being throughout

evidently in a hot shivery frame of mind, forgetful of the laws. Seldom

was such a Procession; spite, rage and lawless revenge blazing out

more and more. On the whole, there deserted, through those gaps of

the espalier, about half of the whole Garrison. On Madam Schmettau's

hammercloth there sat, in the Schmettau livery, a hard-featured man,

recognizable by keen eyes as lately a Nailer, of the Nailer Guild here;

who had been a spy for Schmettau, and brought many persons into trouble:

him they tear down, and trample hither and thither,--at last, into some

Guard-house near by." [The Schmettau DIARIUM in ANONYMOUS OF HAMBURG,

iii. 364-376 (corrected chiefly from TEMPELHOF): Protest, and

Correspondence in consequence, is in Seyfarth, _Beylagen,_ ii. 611-621;

in _ Helden-Geschichte,_ &c. &c.]

Schmettau's protest against all this is vehement, solemnly

circumstantial: but, except in regard to the trampled Nailer (Zweibruck

on that point "heartily sorry for the insult to your Excellency's

livery; and here the man is, with a thousand apologies"), Schmettau got

no redress. Nor had Friedrich any, now or henceforth. Friedrich did at

once, more to testify his disgust than for any benefit, order Schmettau:

"Halt at Wittenberg, not at Magdeburg as was pretended to be bargained.

Dismiss your Escort of Austrians there; bid them home at once, and out

of your sight." Schmettau himself he ordered to Berlin, to idle waiting.

Never again employed Schmettau: for sixteen years that they lived

together, never saw his face more.

Schmettau's ill-fortune was much pitied, as surely it deserved to be,

by all men. About Friedrich's severity there was, and still occasionally

is, controversy held. Into which we shall not enter for Yes or for No.

"You are like the rest of them!" writes Friedrich to him; "when the

moment comes for showing firmness, you fail in it." ["Waldau, 10th

September, 1759:" in Preuss, ii. URKUNDEN. p. 44.] Friedrich expects of

others what all Soldiers profess,--and what is in fact the soul of all

nobleness in their trade,--but what only Friedrich himself, and a select

few, are in the habit of actually performing. Tried by the standard

of common practice, Schmettau is clearly absolvable; a broken veteran,

deserving almost tears. But that is not the standard which it will

be safe for a King of men to go by. Friedrich, I should say, would be

ordered by his Office, if Nature herself did not order him, to pitch

his ideal very high; and to be rather Rhadamanthine in judging about it.

Friedrich was never accused of over-generosity to the unfortunate among

his Captains.

After the War, Schmettau, his conduct still a theme of argument, was

reduced to the Invalid List: age now sixty-seven, but health and heart

still very fresh, as he pleaded; complaining that he could not live on

his retiring Pension of 300 pounds a year. "Be thankful you have not had

your head struck off by sentence of Court-Martial," answered Friedrich.

Schmettau, after some farther troubles from Court quarters, retired

to Brandenburg, and there lived silent, poor but honorable, for his

remaining fifteen years. Madam Schmettau came out very beautiful in

those bad circumstances: cheery, thrifty, full of loyal patience; a

constant sunshine to her poor man, whom she had preceded out of Dresden

in the way we saw. Schmettau was very quiet, still studious of War

matters; [See _Leben_ (by his Son, "Captain Schmettau;" a modest

intelligent Book), pp. 440-447.] "sent the King" once,--in 1772, while

Polish Prussia, and How it could be fortified, were the interesting

subject,--"a JOURNAL," which he had elaborated for himself, "OF THE

MARCHES OF KARL TWELFTH IN WEST PREUSSEN;" which was well received:

"Apparently the King not angry with me farther?" thought Schmettau. A

completely retired old man; studious, social,--the best men of the

Army still his friends and familiars:--nor, in his own mind, any mutiny

against his Chief; this also has its beauty in a human life, my friend.

So long as Madam Schmettau lived, it was well; after her death,

not well, dark rather, and growing darker: and in about three years

Schmettau followed (27th October, 1775), whither that good soul had

gone. The elder Brother--who was a distinguished Academician, as well

as Feldmarschall and Negotiator--had died at Berlin, in Voltaire's time,

1751. Each of those Schmettaus had a Son, in the Prussian Army, who

wrote Books, or each a short Book, still worth reading. [_Bavarian War

of 1778,_ by the Feldmarschall's Son; ad this _Leben_ we have just been

citing, by the Lieutenant-General's.] But we must return.

On the very morrow, September 5th, Daun heard of the glorious success

at Dresden; had not expected it till about the 10th at soonest. From

Triebel he sends the news at gallop to Lieberose and Soltikof: "Rejoice

with us, Excellenz: did not I predict it? Silesia and Saxony both are

ours; fruits chiefly of your noble successes. Oh, continue them a very

little!" "Umph!" answers Soltikof, not with much enthusiasm: "Send us

meal steadily; and gain you, Excellenz's self, some noble success!"

Friedrich did not hear of it for almost a week later; not till Monday,

10th,--as a certain small Anecdote would of itself indicate.

Sunday Evening, 9th September, General Finck, with his new 6,000,

hastening on to join Wunsch for relief of Dresden, had got to

Grossenhayn; and was putting up his tents, when the Outposts brought him

in an Austrian Officer, who had come with a Trumpeter inquiring for

the General. The Austrian Officer "is in quest of proper lodgings for

General Schmettau and Garrison [fancy Finck's sudden stare!];--last

night they lodged at Gross-Dobritz, tolerably to their mind: but

the question for the Escort is, Where to lodge this night, if your

Excellency could advise me?" "Herr, I will advise you to go back to

Gross-Dobritz on the instant," answers Finck grimly; "I shall be obliged

to make you and your Trumpet prisoners, otherwise!" Exit Austrian

Officer. That same evening, too, Captain Kollas, carrying Schmettau's

sad news to the King, calls on Finck in passing; gives dismal details

of the Capitulation and the Austrian way of keeping it; filling Finck's

mind with sorrowful indignation. [Tempelhof, iii. 237.]

Finck--let us add here, though in date it belongs a little

elsewhere--pushes on, not the less, to join Wunsch at Torgau; joins

Wunsch, straightway recaptures Leipzig, garrison prisoners (September

13th): recaptures all those northwestern garrisons,--multitudinous

Reichsfolk trying, once, to fight him, in an amazingly loud, but

otherwise helpless way ("ACTION OF KORBITZ" they call it); cannonading

far and wide all day, and manoeuvring about, here bitten in upon,

there trying to bite, over many leagues of Country; principally under

Haddick's leading; [HOFBERICHT VON DER AM 21 SEPTEMBER BEY KORBITZ

(in Meissen Country, south of Elbe; Krogis too is a Village in this

wide-spread "Action") VORGEFALLENEN ACTION (Seyfarth, _Beylagen,_

ii. 621-630). Tempelhof, iii. 248, 258.] who saw good to draw off

Dresden-ward next day, and leave Finck master in those regions. To

Daun's sad astonishment,--in a moment of crisis,--as we shall hear

farther on! So that Saxony is not yet conquered to Daun; Saxony, no, nor

indeed will be:--but Dresden is. Friedrich never could recover Dresden;

though he hoped, and at intervals tried hard, for a long while to come.